System and method for using television schedule information

ABSTRACT

A television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day. An input device allows the viewer to browse through the schedule information area and/or obtain more information about programs of particular interest. In one aspect, the viewer may watch a program on the currently-tuned channel, while browsing through the other channels on a portion of the television screen. In another aspect, the viewer may watch programs currently being shown on the television, while he or she browses through the program guide. In yet another aspect, the system includes a database, a processor and associated software for automatically customizing the television schedule guide to an individual viewer or a group of viewers, e.g., a family, to facilitate use of the television schedule.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/036,721, filed on Feb. 28, 2011 (pending), which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/894,687, filed on Aug. 20, 2007 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,181,200), which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/502,691, filed on Aug. 11, 2006 (now abandoned),which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/406,745,filed on Apr. 3, 2003 (now abandoned), which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/962,692, filed on Sep. 25, 2001 (nowabandoned), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/847,726, filed on Apr. 28, 1997 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,323,911), whichis a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/537,650, filed on Oct. 2, 1995 (now abandoned), and claims priorityof U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/023,651, filed on Jun. 17, 1996(now expired), each of which is fully incorporated herein by referencein its respective entirety.

This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/837,025 (filed Apr. 11, 1997 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,388,714) andAppendices A, B, and C of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/837,025,each of which is fully incorporated herein by reference in itsrespective entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to television scheduleinformation, and more particularly to a system and method for displayinga television program guide on a television screen.

As the number of television stations in a metropolitan area or on acable network has increased, the number of programs of potentialinterest that are presented to a viewer has risen dramatically. With theuse of dish antennas capable of receiving direct satellite signals, themultitude of programs available to the viewer has further increased.Consequently, television schedule systems that are provided directly onthe viewer's television screen have been developed to assist the viewerin sorting through these various programs and determining which programsto watch or record. One such television schedule system is disclosed incommonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,121 (Young et al.), the completedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In oneembodiment of Young, the television schedule includes a series of menuscreens having an array of cells corresponding to different televisionprograms. The viewer may scroll through the cells to view whichtelevision programs are being presented on various channels at varioustimes. In addition, the viewer may select certain cells to obtain moreinformation on the associated program or to pull up other submenus withadditional options.

The recent development of television schedule systems, such as the abovedescribed patent to Young, have created many new challenges. One suchchallenge is providing a system and method that allows the viewer toquickly and efficiently navigate through the various menus and submenusof the schedule guide and to interact with the items contained therein.Ideally, the system and method would provide the viewer with the abilityto browse through the television guide and/or perform various actions,while still displaying the currently-tuned program on the televisionscreen so that the viewer can keep track of the program. In addition, itwould be desirable to provide a system that can be customized for anindividual and/or a group of viewers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system and method for displayingschedule information on a visual interface, such as a television screen,a computer monitor or the like. The present invention also provides asystem and method for allowing the viewer to navigate and interact witha program guide that is displayed, for example, on the viewer'stelevision screen. The program guide will usually include a scheduleinformation area that depicts the programs that are being presented oneach channel at each time during the day with an input device, such as aremote control device, pointing device, mouse, keyboard, microphone orthe like, the viewer can browse through the schedule information areaand/or obtain more information about programs of particular interest.

In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided forallowing the viewer to watch a program on the currently-tuned channel ofa television, while browsing through the other channels on a portion ofthe television screen. The system includes a browsing window fordisplaying program information over a portion of the television screenin conjunction with the primary display. The browsing window is usuallysmaller than the main program guide and located in a convenient place onthe television screen, e.g., in a corner, so that the viewer cansimultaneously view the primary display and the browsing window. Thebrowsing window includes an active window for displaying programs onchannels other than the currently-tuned channel, and an input device forswitching the program that is displayed on the active window. In apreferred configuration, the browsing window further includes aninformation window for allowing the viewer to access a televisionschedule program guide and to obtain more information on the programthat is shown in the active window.

In another aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided forallowing the viewer to watch programs currently being shown on thetelevision, while the viewer browses through the program guide. In thisembodiment, the program guide includes a smaller, active window fordisplaying a program that is currently being shown on a televisionchannel. The input device has a controller for interacting with theactive window to control the program that is shown therein. For example,the active window may show the program on the currently-tuned channel,i.e., the channel that the viewer was watching prior to activating theprogram guide. Alternatively, the active window may show the programsthat the viewer selects in the program information area. In thisembodiment, each program title is contained within a cell or window. Asthe controller moves a cursor, for example, to each cell within theprogram information area, the program displayed on the active windowwill change so that the program displayed on the active windowcorresponds to the program title within the cell containing the cursor.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a system and method are providedfor indicating the amount of time left in each program in the programguide. In this embodiment, the program guide includes a matrix of cells,with each cell containing information associated with a televisionprogram, and having a length that is proportional to a length of thetelevision program. Each cell will include a visual display fordisplaying an amount of time left in the associated television program.For example, the visual display can be a physical icon indicating theamount of time left in the program. Alternatively, each cell can behighlighted in such a way that either the highlighted or non-highlightedportion of the cell represents the amount of time left in the associatedtelevision program. In the latter embodiment, the highlighted ornon-highlighted portion of the cell will be reduced with time tocontinuously indicate the amount of time left in the associated program.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a system and method is providedfor automatically or manually customizing the television schedule guideto an individual viewer or a group of viewers, e.g., a family. In thisembodiment, the program guide includes a matrix of cells, with each cellcontaining information associated with a television program. The inputdevice includes a controller for moving a cursor to each cell and forselecting the television program associated with each cell. The systemfurther includes a memory for storing the television programs that havebeen selected by the viewer. The programs can be selected for a varietyof reasons, such as designating the program as a favorite, placing areminder to watch the program or, when the television schedule systemincludes a recording device, placing an automatic reminder to theprogram guide to record the program.

In a specific configuration, the system further includes a visualdisplay, such as a physical icon within the program's cell, forindicating that a program has been selected. In addition, the programguide includes a selection window that displays some or all of theprograms that have been selected by the viewer. The input device willallow the viewer to activate and deactivate the selection window, and tomove between each program within the selection window and activateprograms to obtain information associated with the selected program.

In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a database containingeach program within the television schedule. The database may beincluded within a computer integrally combined with the television(e.g., PCTV), a computer that is coupled to the television throughsuitable lines, or the database may be accessed from a remote computer,e.g., via the internet or other communication medium. Within thedatabase, each program is associated with a variety of criteria orfeatures, such as particular actors, actresses, directors, the type ofmovie (e.g., action, comedy) and the like. When the viewer selects aprogram as a favorite, for example, he or she will have the option ofdesignating the criteria or reason(s) that the program is a favorite(i.e., actor, director, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, the computerwill include a processor and suitable software for automaticallysearching the database for other programs having the same criteria. Theprocessor may then place the programs that include the designatedcriteria into the selection window and provide visual indication of eachprogram in the matrix of cells in the program guide. In this way, theprogram guide will automatically customize itself to the individualviewer to facilitate use of the television schedule.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a remote control device according to theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of local and global controllers of the remotecontrol device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a representative computer system coupledto a television system incorporating the remote control device of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic views of a representative program guideand a channel guide, respectively, for use with the remote controldevice of Fig. in a television schedule system;

FIGS. 5A-5C are schematic views illustrating a method for selecting aprogram information menu, moving to the program guide of FIG. 4A andbrowsing through information menus from other programs with the remotecontrol device of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a method for navigating from the program guide toa mode menu and selecting a different mode;

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate a method for navigating from the program guide toa submode menu and selecting a different submode;

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate a method for opening an information menu,scrolling down to other options and opening an information submenu;

FIGS. 9A-9F illustrate a method for selecting a favorite item;

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate a method for selecting a program reminder;

FIGS. 11A-11E illustrate a Video On Demand menu and an associatedsubmode menu; and

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a schedule system and method fordisplaying schedule information on a visual interface, such as atelevision screen, computer monitor or the like. The system and methodis particularly useful for use with television schedule information. Thetelevision schedule information will be presented in a program guidehaving a schedule information area depicting the program that are beingshown on each channel for a period of time, e.g., a day, week or longer.In one aspect of the invention, the viewer may watch a program on thecurrently-tuned channel, while browsing through the other channels on aportion of the television screen. In another aspect of the invention,the viewer may watch programs currently being shown on the television,while he or she browses through the program guide. In yet another aspectof the invention, the system includes a database, a processor andassociated software for automatically customizing the televisionschedule guide to an individual viewer or a group of viewers, e.g., afamily, to facilitate use of the television schedule.

The television schedule system will include an input device, such as aremote control device, pointing device, mouse, keyboard, microphone orthe like, to allow the user to browse through the schedule informationarea and/or obtain more information about programs of particularinterest. In a specific configuration, the input device will comprise ahousing or casing and an input assembly on the exterior surface of thecasing. The casing will usually resemble the generally rectangular shapeof typical television remote control devices. However, the casing mayalso be similar to other convention input devices, such as a mouse, ajoystick, a computer keyboard, etc., or the casing may have aspecialized, non-conventional shape. The casing will include acontroller for allowing the television viewer to move along thetelevision screen either freely or through specific areas or windows onthe screen. The controller may comprise a trackball, cursor controller,pointing device, a microphone for allowing voice activation, a number ofkeys or buttons that function to move the viewer around the screen, orthe like. In the preferred embodiment, the controller comprises ascrolling mechanism for displacing a movable cursor through a matrix ofcells or windows on the screen. The cursor may comprise a physical iconon the screen, or it may be represented by highlighting or other visualindications of the cells or windows that are scrolled through by theviewer.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like elements are indicatedby like numerals, a representative remote control device 2 forfacilitating the use of television schedule system of the presentinvention is illustrated. Of course, it should be clearly understoodthat the remote control device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is merelyrepresentative of one type of remote control device that may be usedwith the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, remote control device 2 generally comprises a casing4 having a viewer input assembly 6 for controlling a television,computer or VCR and for utilizing television schedule information on atelevision screen, as discussed below. Input assembly 6 generallyincludes a cursor control assembly 8 for displacing a cursor on adisplay screen, such as a television screen, and a plurality ofdedicated function buttons i0 for performing various functions, such aschanging channels, operating a VCR, changing the volume, etc. Inaddition, dedicated function buttons 10 may be used for otherinteractions requiring numeric input, such as inputting security codes,credit card numbers, etc.

As shown in FIG. 3, remote control device 2 further includes an RFtransmitter 12 for transmitting signals generated by the viewer throughviewer input assembly 6 to, for example, a processor within a personalcomputer, a television or a VCR. RF transmitter 12 may be substitutedwith, for example, IR emitters, modulated light signals (i.e., a signalsent to optical fiber), or even a hardware connection. Remote controldevice 2 will also include a power source, such as a battery (notshown).

Referring to FIG. 2, the cursor control assembly 8 of the presentinvention will now be described in detail. Cursor control assembly 8includes a local controller 20 for moving the cursor within a designatedscreen area or window on the display screen and a global controller 22for navigating among different windows on the display screen, asdiscussed in further detail below. Local controller 20 comprises avertical scroll mechanism for scrolling cursor in the y-direction orvertically through an individual window or menu. The vertical scrollmechanism is preferably a rolling cylinder 24 rotatably mounted tocasing 4 around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of casing4. Rotation of cylinder 24 moves the cursor vertically through thewindow or menu of the display screen. In a preferred embodiment, thewindow will be made up of at least a vertical column of cells andcylinder button 24 will move the cursor up and down the column. Rollingcylinder 24 preferably includes means for providing tactile feedback tothe viewer so that cylinder 24 to facilitate operation of cylinder 24without looking at remote control device 2 (i.e., so the viewer can lookat the television screen). In the preferred configuration, cylinder 24includes a plurality of detents or ridges 26 on its outer surface thatindicate to the viewer, either by tactile feel or by sound, that thecursor is moving through each cell in the window or menu.

Local controller 20 further includes a horizontal scroll mechanism formoving the cursor in an “x” direction or horizontally across the displayscreen. As shown in FIG. 2, the horizontal scroll mechanism preferablyincludes first and second buttons 32, 34 located on either side ofrolling cylinder 24. Depressing buttons 32, 34 moves the cursor left orright across a row of items in an individual window of the displayscreen. Preferably, the viewer will be required to press one of thebuttons 32, 34 for each item the cursor moves through in the horizontaldirection. However, it should be noted that the invention is not limitedto this configuration and buttons 32, 34 can be configured so thatcontinuous depression of one button 32, 34 moves the cursor horizontallythrough a plurality of items. Alternatively, cylinder 24 may beconfigured for horizontal movement so that both horizontal and verticalmovement can be carried out with a single button.

Cursor control assembly 8 further includes a selector switch forselecting an item on the display screen when the cursor is contiguouswith that item. In a specific configuration, the selector switch isrolling cylinder 24. Depression of cylinder 24 will select or activatethe item or pull down a menu associated with that item. This feature ofthe present invention allows viewers to both vertically scroll throughitems in a menu and select these items without moving their thumb fromcylinder 24.

Global controller 22 preferably comprises a screen navigation ring 40having a plurality of direction buttons 42 surrounding local controller20. The exact number of direction buttons 42 in navigation ring 40 willtypically depend on the number and relative locations of the differentinformation areas on the display screen. In a specific configuration,global controller 22 will include four buttons 42 controlling left,right, up and down movement of the cursor along the television screen.

As an alternative to navigation ring 40, remote control device 2 mayinclude a trigger or clutch button 46, as shown in Fig. i. Clutch button46 can be depressed to provide dual modality for local controller 20.Specifically, pressing clutch button 46 will move local controller 22between a first mode, where cylinder 24 and horizontal scroll mechanism30 move the cursor between different items within a particularinformation area on the display screen, and a second mode, wherecylinder 24 and horizontal scroll mechanism 30 move the cursor betweendifferent information areas oh the screen. Clutch button 46 ispreferably located on the back side of casing 4 so that the viewer caneasily depress button 46 with his or her fingers when holding thedevice.

Referring again to FIG. 1, viewer input assembly 6 of remote controldevice 2 further includes a voice recognition device for receivingspoken commands from the viewer and converting the spoken commands intosignals to facilitate use of television schedule information. Typically,the voice recognition device will include a microphone 50 on remotecontrol device 2 for receiving the spoken commands and converting theminto audio signals and a microprocessor (not shown) that includes speechrecognition circuitry contained therein for receiving the audio signalsand performing various tasks based on the spoken commands. Themicroprocessor may be contained within the remote control device orwithin a television set, a computer, VCR or the like. Alternatively, thespeech recognition circuitry may be accessed from another computer or adatastream of information, such as a web site on the internet, anddownloaded into the television schedule system.

The voice recognition device of the present invention may furtherinclude a trigger button (not shown) on remote control device 2 foractivating or deactivating microphone 50. This allows the viewer tospeak to other people in the room without accidentally triggeringcommands through microphone 50. The trigger button is normally in the upposition, which corresponds to microphone 50 being in the deactivatedstate. When the viewer wishes to input a spoken command, message or datato the VCR, television or computer, the viewer must depress button 52which causes a signal to be sent to a processor (not shown) to activatemicrophone 50. Once microphone 50 is activated, it will input thereceived audio signals (e.g., spoken commands) to the processor.

Remote control device 2 further includes a mechanism for inputting andrecognizing a viewer's identification (i.e., credit card number, socialsecurity number, etc.) for authorizing the viewer to purchase productsor services from the television schedule system. In a preferredconfiguration, the identification mechanism is a slot 60 in casing 4sized for receiving a credit card, data card, security card or otherviewer identification card, as shown in FIG. 1. In this configuration,remote control device 2 includes a recognition device for reading a codeon the credit card when the credit card is swiped through slot 60. Aprocess will convert the credit card's code into signals representingthe viewer's identification. Alternatively, the identification mechanismmay comprise numeric or symbolic keys on casing 4, such as the numerickeys shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the numeric keys may be usedto input a security code, such as a credit card number, social securitynumber or the like.

FIG. 3 illustrates a representative television schedule system 60 foruse with remote control device 2 of the present invention. As shown,system 60 includes a computer system 62 coupled to a television system64. In the preferred embodiment, computer system 62 includes a standardcomputer 63 which is, for example, any personal computer, (e.g., IBMcompatible, Macintosh and the like). Computer 63 can also be locatedwithin a set top box (e.g., a DSS box), or the computer may be locatedremote from the viewer's home, e.g., an external server or hostcomputer. In the latter embodiment, the television schedule system 60will be capable of accessing and downloading an application or appletfrom the computer through, e.g., the internet or other communicationmedia. The computer contains a hard drive 66 and a processor 68. Theseunits are usually automatically included in the computer 63. A diskinput 70 is used to provide the computer 63 with various additionalsoftware. A data line 72 is connected to an available serial, parallelor other data port on the computer 63. This line 72 is used to connectother devices/components to computer.

In another embodiment, computer system 62 may be combined withtelevision system 60 to form a PCTV. In this embodiment, the computerwill usually include a processor that may be used solely to run theprogram guide and associated software, or the processor may beconfigured to run other applications, such as word processing, graphics,or the like. The computer will usually be incorporated into thetelevision set so that the television display can be used as both atelevision screen and a computer monitor. Usually, the PCTV will includea number of input devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse and a remotecontrol device, similar to the one described above. However, these inputdevices may be combined into a single device that inputs commands withkeys, a trackball, pointing device, scrolling mechanism, voiceactivation or a combination thereof.

Television system 64 includes a television 80 which may be anycommercially available television. Television system 64 may or may notinclude a videotape recorder (VCR). In this embodiment, a VCR 82 iscoupled to television. This VCR can be, for example, any commerciallyavailable VCR or any other type of recording device (analog or digital).Computer 63 and television 80 can be directly connected by a line 84 orremotely connected so that computer 63 and television 80 can be locatedin different rooms within a private residence or commercial building. Inthe preferred embodiment, a computer program provided on diskettes, CDRom or other medium contains the software needed for receiving,organizing and displaying data for a television schedule guide (seeFIGS. 4-11). These diskettes are inserted into disk input 70 and thesoftware for these diskettes is stored within the computer 63 on thehard drive or on another mass storage location. This action can beperformed by, for example, the viewer or service person. The computerprogram can also be provided, for example, via downloading from asatellite, transmission through the internet or other online service, ortransmission through another type of land line. A more detaileddescription of a preferred computer system for use with the presentinvention is described in commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. applicationSer. No. 08/537,650, filed Oct. 2, 1995 (attorney docket number14774-003400), the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedby reference.

In another embodiment, computer system 62 may be combined withtelevision system 60 to form a PCTV. In this embodiment, the computerwill usually include a processor that may be used solely to run theprogram guide and associated software, or the processor may beconfigured to run other applications, such as word processing, graphics,or the like. The computer will usually be incorporated into thetelevision set so that the television display can be used as both atelevision screen and a computer monitor. Usually, the PCTV will includea number of input devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse and a remotecontrol device, similar to the one described above. However, these inputdevices may be combined into a single device that inputs commands withkeys, a trackball, pointing device, scrolling mechanism, voiceactivation or a combination thereof.

In this embodiment, remote control device 2 will send input to computer60, which then transmits signals, via an appropriate RF transmitter orthe like (not shown), to television system 64. The data for thetelevision schedule system can be obtained from a variety of databases.For example, on-line providers (Prodigy, America On Line, Compuserve,MSN, At&T, etc) may provide access to a database which contains thetelevision schedule information. These on-line information providers cantransmit data to television 80. To accomplish this, television 80 orcomputer 63 will include a modem, which can be connected to a telephoneline, cable modem, ISDN line, DSS channel or the like, and software forsearching and providing the data to computer 63.

FIGS. 4-11 illustrate a television schedule system and method accordingto the present invention. In Appendix A, applicant has attached aspecific document, entitled “Starsight Interactive Television ProgramGuide”, that further illustrates the representative television programguide. Applicant has also attached a second specification document inAppendix B, entitled “Using Starsight 2”, to illustrate an alternativetelevision program guide according to the present invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a program guide 102 and a channel guide 104,respectively, for the television schedule system of the presentinvention. The program guide 102, which is the primary mode in thetelevision schedule system, includes a number of screen informationareas or windows in a particular screen where the viewer operates aninput device, such as the remote control device 2 described above, tomove around vertically and horizontally and to interact with that screenarea's function. Preferably, the currently active screen area will beindicated to the viewer, for example, by changing the background colorfrom a light greyscale metallic to a brighter, active color. Within eachscreen area are one or more items, typically arranged in a matrix orgrid so that the viewer can scroll through the grid. The items can beselected or activated with the input device. Activation of an item willinvoke a Submenu, a Dialog, a Panel, invoke an action or the like. In anexemplary configuration, device 2 is configured so that double clickingon cylinder 24 will invoke an item's associated menu or Submenu andautomatically activate the default menu item. In addition, device 2 mayinclude further shortcuts, such as mediated signals that areaccomplished by simultaneously holding in clutch button 46 and cylinder24.

As shown in FIG. 4A, program guide 102 preferably includes a scheduleinformation area 106 having a program matrix 108 of cells or items thatdepict the shows that are being presented on each channel at each timeduring the day. Program guide 102 conveniently lists the channels in avertical column to the left of the program matrix 108 and the times in ahorizontal row above matrix 108. As shown, the viewer may verticallyscroll through a particular time or horizontally scroll through achannel. As the viewer scrolls through matrix 108, a cursor 110 willindicate the viewer's location within the matrix 108. Alternatively, theitem may be automatically highlighted with a brighter color to indicatethe viewer's location. Preferably, program matrix 108 will also beshaded to indicate the portion of each show that has already beenpresented. For example, as shown, in FIG. 4A, the shading extends to7:48 (the current time as indicated at the bottom right of program guide102) to indicate which portion of the show the viewer has alreadymissed.

As shown in FIG. 4A, program guide 102 includes a number of otherinformation areas. For example, program guide 102 includes a mode menuarea 112 that indicates the currently active mode (i.e., program guide102) and allows the viewer to pull down a mode menu 114 (see FIG. 6B).Program guide 102 also includes a date area 116 that indicates the datereflected in program matrix 106 and allows the viewer to pull down adate submenu 118 (see FIG. 7B) to change the date. In other submodes,the submode menu will display options for ordering or displaying liststhat are appropriately related to the submode. A proportional scroll bar120 located to the left of program matrix 106 is visually proportionalto the total information in program matrix 106 to provide visualfeedback as the viewer vertically scrolls through matrix 106. Inaddition, scroll bar 120 may be used for large-scale movement throughhundreds of channels/sources by navigating to bar 120 and thenvertically moving bar 120 upward or downward. An exit area 122 allowsthe viewer to immediately exit back to the television by navigating toexit area 122 clicking on exit area 122. A program area 126 depicts thecurrently tuned program and a preview window area 128 can be used forall types of promotional, descriptional, or contextual video orgraphics, such as a short preview of the show that is currently beinghighlighted in show matrix 106. Preview window area 128 may also beinteractional similar to the other areas of guide 102.

In an exemplary configuration, program area 126 displays the currentlytuned program “live” so that the viewer can browse through programmatrix 106 without missing the action on the currently tuned program.This feature allows the viewer, for example, to keep track of the scoreof a football game while browsing through the program matrix orperforming other interactions with the system, such as purchasing goodsor services, searching for more information on a program, etc. Inanother configuration, the viewer may set program area 126 to change asthe viewer browses through program matrix 106 so that area 126 depictsthe highlighted program in the matrix. This allows the television viewerto quickly view each program without exiting from the program guide 102.

The program guide may also include a variety of additional areas tofacilitate use of the television schedule system, present information tothe viewer or advertise programs or other products. For example, ascrolling commercial message 124 may be located underneath programmatrix 106 that advertises programs or products from program sponsors,etc. The viewer may navigate to message 124 and click on the inputdevice to receive more information or to purchase the product orprogram. A two second delay or a suitable input from the viewer willopen the scrolling message up into its info menu (not shown). Thisfunction of ordering items is not limited to videos. For example, theprogram may access other contextual linked services such as a commercialstore, etc., to allow the purchaser to buy a wide variety of differentservices or goods directly or indirectly linked to a particular program.For example, an Info Menu for Monday Night Football may allow the viewerto scroll through submenus that allow the viewer to purchase WashingtonRedskins' caps, Minnesota Vikings' caps or any NFL cap. The viewer has achoice to follow a program's link back to the commercial area where alarger selection of items and services are available. A product like thecap above may lead the viewer directly to an NFL proshop, whereas a linkto a movie on demand may lead back to a commercial film library. A morecomplete description of a television schedule system incorporatingcontextual linked services is described in co-pending, commonly assignedU.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/837,025, filed on Apr. 11, 1997, toSchein et al., and its Appendices A, B, and C, the complete disclosureof which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 4B illustrates the television schedule system of the presentinvention in the channel guide mode. As shown, channel guide 104 issimilar to program guide 102 except that it includes an informationscreen area 130 that is reversed from the information screen area 106 inthe program guide. Thus, the viewer can scroll vertically to moveforward and backward in time along one channel and horizontally to movefrom channel to channel.

A method for using the television schedule system of the presentinvention will now be described. FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate a method ofaccessing program guide 102 from a currently tuned program and browsingthrough other currently tuned programs. As shown in FIG. 5A, the vieweris watching a television show on a display screen 132, such as a MondayNight Football game featuring the Washington Redskins versus theMinnesota Vikings. Clicking on the input device automatically causes aProgram InfoMenu 130 to pop up on a portion of the television screen 132(see FIG. 5B). Program InfoMenu 130 may allow the viewer to obtain moreinformation about the currently tuned program, move to program guide102, move to contextual linked services (discussed below), or exitInfoMenu 130 back to the television show. The viewer may verticallyscroll through these options, and select one of the options. Forexample, clicking on the “Go to program guide” section immediatelytransfers the viewer to the program guide, as shown in FIG. 4A.

To browse other currently tuned programs, the viewer employs the channelcontrols (i.e., function buttons 10, see FIG. 1). This allows the viewerto browse through other information menus while viewing the currentlytuned program (see FIG. 5C). Alternatively, clutch button 46 may bedepressed to switch the modality of local controller 20 and allow theviewer to browse through the channels with cylinder 24. This allows theviewer to browse without taking his or her thumb off cylinder 24 andwithout looking at remote control device 2. In an exemplaryconfiguration, InfoMenu 130 includes a browsing window 134 that displays(“live”) the program in InfoMenu (FIG. 5C). This feature allows theviewer to actually view the programs as he/she browses through them. Asingle click of cylinder 24 would take the viewer to the browsedprogram. The remote control device may also include means for switchingthe sound between the currently tuned program and the program in thebrowsing window 134.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a method for changing the mode of the televisionschedule system. As shown in FIG. 6A, the viewer starts in program guide102, which can be accessed through the Infomenu 130 of the currentlytuned program as discussed above or by double clicking on cylinder 24from the television screen (which will automatically select the defaultitem within the Infomenu). The viewer may navigate to the Mode Menu,which will automatically pull down, allowing the viewer to scroll up anddown the list of modes and to click on a menu item to select a differentmode. For example, if the viewer wishes to see the Favorites andReminders Menu 158, the viewer clicks on “Favorites and Reminders” andmoves to this mode, as shown in FIG. 6D. Note that the design of therepresentative remote control device 2 allows the viewer to easilyscroll through the various menus of the program guide without looking atremote control device 2. In addition, the viewer can access variousmodes and scroll through the different menus simply by using his or herthumb.

FIGS. 7A-7D depict a method of navigating to a submode menu with theprogram guide 102. One of the advantages of the television schedulesystem of the present invention is that the submode menus dynamicallychange depending on the Mode. For example, if the viewer desires to viewthe programs on a different day (other than the current day), he or shenavigates to date area 116 by pressing once on upper button 42 of globalcontroller 22. This moves the viewer to date area 116, where a submodemenu 118 automatically scrolls down, as shown in FIG. 7B. The viewer maythen scroll through the days of the week with rolling cylinder 24, whichwill become highlighted as the cursor moves through each day. To selectanother date, the viewer simply clicks on cylinder 24 and program matrix106 jumps forward to another day, for example, Wednesday, as shown inFIG. 7D.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate a method of opening up Item InfoMenus with remotecontrol device 2. As the viewer is scrolling around program matrix 106,clicking on a selected item will open up its InfoMenu 130, as shown inFIG. 8B. The InfoMenu 130 is a gateway to information about programs anditems and services linked to them. For example, the viewer may scrolldown InfoMenu 130 to the item “record this program”. Once the item isselected, the viewer simply clicks on the item and a record submenu 152appears where the viewer can specify how this program is to be added tothe recording list (see FIG. 8C). The viewer can scroll up and downrecord submenu 152 and click on the desired choice. If the viewerscrolls up on the InfoMenu 130 instead of down, the info item willhighlight in yellow and expand downward to review additional informationabout the program item, as shown in FIG. 8D. This expanded info item 154will collapse automatically when the viewer scrolls downward.

The system and method of the present invention may be configured toautomatically or manually customize the television schedule guide to anindividual viewer or a group of viewers, e.g., a family. In thisembodiment, the remote control device may be used to select certainprograms, and a memory stores the television programs that have beenselected by the viewer. The programs can be selected for a variety ofreasons, such as a designated the program as a favorite, placing areminder to watch the program or, when the television schedule systemincludes a recording device, placing an automatic reminder to theprogram guide to record the program. In a specific configuration, thesystem further includes a visual display, such as a physical icon withinthe cell, for indicating that a program has been selected. In addition,the program guide includes a selection window that displays some or allof the programs that have been selected by the viewer. The input devicewill allow the viewer to activate and deactivate the selection window,and to move between each program within the selection window andactivate programs to obtain information associated with the selectedprogram.

In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a database containingeach program within the television schedule. The database may beincluded within a computer integrally combined with the television(e.g., PCTV), a computer that is coupled to the television throughsuitable lines, or the database may be accessed from a remote computer,e.g., via the internet or other communication medium. Within thedatabase, each program is associated with a variety of criteria orfeatures, such as particular actors, actresses, directors, the type ofmovie (e.g., action, comedy) and the like. When the viewer selects aprogram as a favorite, for example, he or she will have the option ofdesignating the criteria or reason(s) that the program is a favorite(i.e., actor, director, etc.). The computer will include a processor andsuitable software for automatically searching the database for otherprograms having the same criteria. The processor will automaticallyplace the programs that include the designated criteria into theselection window and provide visual indication of each program in thematrix of cells in the program guide. In this way, the program guidewill automatically customize itself to the individual viewer tofacilitate use of the television schedule.

FIGS. 9A-9F illustrate a method for designating a program as a favorite.For example, an Item InfoMenu 130 is opened and the viewer scrolls downto section (4), and selects “Put this program on my favorite list” byclicking cylinder 24. A Favorites submenu automatically appears with apanel asking the viewer why this program has been shown as a favorite.For example, FIG. 9B illustrates a Favorites submenu 155 for a sitcom orprogram and FIG. 9C illustrates a submenu 156 for a movie. Other typesof programs will have other unique submenus. The viewer is given achoice to scroll down to choose reasons for selecting the program as afavorite, such as performers, categories, series as a whole, etc. Thisfeature could also be utilized to allow the viewer to go to the databaseof his or her preferences. It would then be possible to link to otherprograms with matching criteria, thereby allowing the viewer tocustomize the system to his or her needs. For example, if the viewerselects “performers” (see FIG. 9C), this would bring up a listing ofknown performers (or a similar appropriate listing) in this program. Theviewer than identifies which ones are favorites. After specifying thecriteria for being a favorite, a confirmation panel (not shown) mayappear that allows the viewer to o.k. the action. When the viewerreturns to the Items Info Menu, a favorite symbol has been added to thetitle and menu item (4) now gives the option to remove the program fromthe favorites list (see FIG. 9D). This cursor functionality is foundthroughout this system and is the easiest way to add or remove itemsfrom the list. After the program has been selected as a favorite, it isadded to the Favorites and Reminders list 158, as shown in FIG. 9E. Thesystem will then automatically search the guide to determine whichprograms include the specified performers. In addition, the system maybe configured to continuously perform this search as new programs appearin the guide each day. Henceforth, some or all program items containingthe viewer's specified performers would be marked with a star and appearon the “favorites” list.

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate a method for utilizing television schedulesystem to create a program reminder. Similar to the “favorites” methoddiscussed above, an Item's InfoMenu 130 is opened and the viewer scrollsdown to item (5) “Reminding when the program airs” and selects thisitem. A reminder submenu 160 is then activated to provide the viewerwith various items for the times and number of reminders, as shown in10B. This reminder submenu 160 can vary depending on the program's typeor scheduling configuration. After specifying the recording option, aconfirmation panel (not shown) will appear, allowing the viewer to o.k.the action. When the viewer has returned to the Item's InfoMenu 130 (seeFIG. 10C), a reminder symbol has been added to the title and menu item(5) now gives the option to remove the program's reminder. After theprogram is scheduled for reminder, it is added to the “Favorites andReminder” list, as shown in FIG. 10D.

FIGS. 11A-11E illustrate a method of ordering video on demand. As shownin 10A, the viewer opens up the program's InfoMenu 130 and thumb scrollsdown to the “order videos” item. The viewer is then presented with aneasily scrollable matrix or menu (not shown) of movies or other programsthat may be ordered. To facilitate this process, the system may includea text or feature searching program that allows the viewer to search fora particular movie, a particular type of movie, movies having a certainactor or actress, etc. Once a program has been selected, the viewer willbe taken to a menu 162 associated with this program, as shown in FIG.11B. The menu will allow the viewer to directly order the program, ororder other programs, such as interviews, specials, etc., that areassociated with the program. Some, denoted with a dollar sign, arepurchasable. Free items would be instantly accessible to the viewer. Theviewer may be prompted to a simple procedure to specify when the movieis to be delivered. When the viewer selects a particular programrequiring a financial transaction, a purchasing sequence unfolds. Asshown in FIG. 11C, the viewer is prompted to enter the masterpassword/access code via the remote keypad or other means. For example,the viewer could swipe his or her credit card through slot 60 (FIG. 1).If the password/access code is accepted, the viewer is given a finalopportunity to review the purchase and/or either confirm or return tothe previous item menu (see FIG. 11D). When the viewer confirms his orher purchase and/or order, a receipt 170 is shown (FIG. 11E). The vieweris given the choice of returning to the previous item menu or, asalways, at the very bottom item “0”, to return to the program guide.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in detail forpurposes of clarity, it will be obvious that certain modifications maybe practiced within the scope of the appended claims. For example, thesystem may be configured for sorting, mixing and preparing a specialcustomized line-up of channels within program guide 102. In addition,the viewer can automatically tune to a desired program or can selectdifferent programs for automatic recording. A detail description ofsuitable systems for automatic tuning and automatic recording can befound in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,121 and application Ser.No. 08/423,411, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated hereinby reference.

1-48. (canceled)
 49. A system comprising: user input circuitry; andcontrol circuitry configured to: generate for simultaneous display: afirst area comprising a plurality of selectable media asset identifiers;a second area comprising a video corresponding to a first media asset;and a third area comprising a video, wherein the video initiallycorresponds to a second media asset that (1) is different from the firstmedia asset and (2) corresponds to a first media asset identifier of theplurality of selectable media asset identifiers, and wherein the videoof the second media asset changes when the user indicates interest in asecond media asset identifier of the plurality of selectable media assetidentifiers; and receive a user selection corresponding to the secondarea and the third area, wherein, when the user selection corresponds tothe second area, sound corresponding to the second area is caused to beemitted, and wherein, when the user selection corresponds to the thirdarea, sound corresponding to the third area is caused to be emitted. 50.The system of claim 49, wherein the user input circuitry is configuredto activate and deactivate the first area, the second area, and thethird area.
 51. The system of claim 49, wherein the first area includesadditional information for each media asset identifier of the pluralityof selectable media asset identifiers.
 52. The system of claim 49,wherein the control circuitry is further configured to generate fordisplay a message area for displaying a message to a user.
 53. Thesystem of claim 52, wherein the user input circuitry is furtherconfigured to activate the message area to obtain more informationassociated with the message.
 54. The system of claim 49, wherein thefirst area includes a matrix of cells, each cell containing informationassociated with a media asset identifier and a length that isproportional to a duration of the media asset.
 55. The system of claim49, further comprising: a database storing information associated witheach media asset identifier of the plurality of selectable media assetidentifiers, wherein the database includes a plurality of criteria andthe each media asset identifier is associated with a criterion of theplurality of criteria.
 56. The system of claim 55, wherein the controlcircuitry is further configured to search the database to match mediaasset identifiers with a selected criterion.
 57. The system of claim 56,wherein the control circuitry is further configured to automaticallygenerate for display the matched media asset identifiers.
 58. The systemof claim 49, wherein the first media asset is a recently watched mediaasset.
 59. A method comprising: generating for simultaneous display: afirst area comprising a plurality of selectable media asset identifiers;a second area comprising a video corresponding to a first media asset;and a third area comprising a video, wherein the video initiallycorresponds to a second media asset that (1) is different from the firstmedia asset and (2) corresponds to a first media asset identifier of theplurality of selectable media asset identifiers, and wherein the videoof the second media asset changes when the user indicates interest in asecond media asset identifier of the plurality of selectable media assetidentifiers; and receiving a user selection corresponding to the secondarea and the third area, wherein, when the user selection corresponds tothe second area, sound corresponding to the second area is caused to beemitted, and wherein, when the user selection corresponds to the thirdarea, sound corresponding to the third area is caused to be emitted. 60.The method of claim 59, further comprising activating and deactivatingthe first area, the second area, and the third area.
 61. The method ofclaim 59, wherein the first area includes additional information foreach media asset identifier of the plurality of selectable media assetidentifiers.
 62. The method of claim 59, further comprising generatingfor display a message area for displaying a message to a user.
 63. Themethod of claim 62, further comprising activating the message area toobtain more information associated with the message.
 64. The method ofclaim 59, wherein the first area includes a matrix of cells, each cellcontaining information associated with a media asset identifier and alength that is proportional to a duration of the media asset.
 65. Themethod of claim 59, further comprising: storing information associatedwith each media asset identifier of the plurality of selectable mediaasset identifiers in a database, wherein the database includes aplurality of criteria and the each media asset identifier is associatedwith a criterion of the plurality of criteria.
 66. The method of claim65, further comprising searching the database to match media assetidentifiers with a selected criterion.
 67. The method of claim 66,further comprising automatically generating for display the matchedmedia asset identifiers.
 68. The method of claim 59, wherein the firstmedia asset is a recently watched media asset.